PH’s Boncales shocks Guatemalan Olympian at AIBA World slugfest

MANILA, Philippines – Roldan Boncales got the Philippines’ campaign in the AIBA World Elite men’s championships going with an opening day upset of Guatemalan Olympian Eddie Barillas in the flyweight division at the Baluan Sholak Palace of Sports in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Boncales, who was just a substitute for the injured Asian Games gold medalist Rey Saludar, earned a unanimous decision triumph, 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28.

The 20-year-old Boncales was quick on his feet as went in-and-out to frustrate his veteran foe.

“He used his experience and he was strong,” said Boncales, a General Santos native, of the 30-year-old Barillas. “But I just played my game.”

Boncales’ next opponent is North Korea’s Ri Chung II, who recently won a gold medal in a tournament held in Russia.

Dennis Galvan will try to follow up Boncales’ performance when steps on the ring to fight 10th seed Gaybatullah Gadzhialiyev of Azerbaijan in the light welterweight class.